Thomas Kerr “T.K.” Moore Jr., 84, passed away Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, after a brief illness. He is survived by his precious wife of 61 years, Kathie; his daughter, Mary Kaye Hester of Wilmington and her husband, Deryl; daughter-in-law, Amy Philipp of Charlotte and her husband, Keith; and grandchildren, AB Moore of Portland, Oregon, Ford Philipp of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Andy Nesbit of Appomattox, Virginia.
Born in Charlotte on June 12, 1934, T.K., then known as Tommy, met Kathie at Myers Park High School, where he was a member of the first graduating class in 1952. A lifelong boater, he was an active member of the Charlotte Power Squadron and served in many roles, including commander and as secretary for District 27. He was the driving force behind the organization’s purchase of land on Lake Wylie dubbed Merit Mark Point and the annual barbecue fundraiser he started there is named in his honor.
After T.K. and Kathie retired to Sunset Beach, they joined Shallotte River Sail & Power Squadron where T.K. continued to teach safe boating classes and conduct vessel inspections. Earlier this year, T.K. was awarded governing board emeritus membership status by United States Power Squadrons, a rare honor recognizing his more than 50 consecutive years of service. –P/C Dan Bartell
